Stenhousemuir vs Stirling Albion

The Warriors started their Cinch League Two campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to local rivals Stirling Albion.

The game proved to be a tight encounter between two very evenly match sides, with little clear cut chances during the opening exchanges. The only real half chance fell to the Warriors in the 5^th minute as Orr shot high and wide from around 15 yards out after the ball was cut back to him by Thomson.

It should have been 1-0 to the Warriors however, just before half time as Thomson slipped through James Lyons on the counter attack to create a 2 on 2 with Orr to his side. Lyons was able to beat the first defender, only for the second to get enough of a challenge in to prevent him from squaring it to Orr and the Binos were able to scramble it clear. It remained 0-0 at the break.

The 50^th minute saw Dale Carrick almost score the goal of the season for the visitors as he attempted a Rooneyesk overhead kick from a McGeachie cross but his effort went slightly over the bar.

Stirling did take the lead in the 72^nd minute after Laird played a one-two with Leitch on the right hand side to drive into the box unopposed and square the ball to McNiff who tapped the ball home from 2 yards out. It was a good move from the Forthbank side but the ease at which they were able to advance into the box will be disappointing for the Warriors defence.

It was nearly 2-0 nine minutes later as Moore drove at the Warriors backline and struck a powerful effort low that struck the inside of Marshall’s post, only to rebound and spin out for a goal kick on the opposite side.

Dylan Mackin was sent off in stoppage time for something he said to the referee after not receiving a freekick after feeling as though he was fouled. Despite this, Stirling were still able to withstand strong Warriors pressure late on to secure the victory and take home all 3 points.

Stenhousemuir: Marshall, R. Lyon, Jamieson, Mills, Crighton, Christie, Wedderburn, Forbes, J. Lyon, Orr, Thomson

Substitutes: Coll, Brown, Anderson, Tierney, Wilson, O’Reilly, Graham, Reid

Stirling Albion: Currie, McGregor, Banner, McGeachie, McNiff, Roberts, Laird, Flanagan, Leitch, Mackin, Carrick

Substitutes: Summers, Moore, Heaver, Law, Greenhorn, Johnston, Grant, Bikey, Cummins

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Post match reaction: Ryan Marshall